Farish starter set with EZ controller?

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

I am a total beginner just starting to plan a N gauge small layout - needs to fit in a 60"x30" board. Looking towards 3rd & 4th radius curves which if I've calculated right should fit.

I am hoping for a double loop with a couple of crossovers and some points so nothing elaborate. I think I'd like to start with DCC so I can run a couple of locos. The Graham Farish starter set - Castle Pullman has caught my eye as it is fitted for sound. I know the track included is 2nd radius but I can use those curves elsewhere sometime.

My questions are:

Is starting DCC for a small simple layout worth it?

Is the EZ controller included with the set suitable for a small layout?

Is buying a starter set like this sensible or is it better to buy separates - though I can't see that loco available other than as a set?

I will add lighting, point controls and probably other bits but plan to operate them separately from the main controller. So the EZ would be used for the locos only.

[brian1951]

The EZ controller is a very basic Dcc unit, if your just going to have a small layout with a couple of loops i would go with DC control, sound in n gauge does not do anything for me its ok in OO or O gauges but not N. ( just my own personal likes ). The money that set sells for could be more wisely spent IMHO.

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

The EZ controller is a very basic Dcc unit, if your just going to have a small layout with a couple of loops i would go with DC control, sound in n gauge does not do anything for me its ok in OO or O gauges but not N. ( just my own personal likes ). The money that set sells for could be more wisely spent IMHO.

That's the kind of advice I am looking for. Thank you.

[yelrow]

there have been a few problems, in the past, with Farish locos, as i am sure there are with other makes, but if i was starting up now, i would look at both Arnold, and Dapol.

[rogerdee490th]

I had a starter set with the warship loco. I had a number of problems with the controller eating the decoder and cooking the motor of some locos changed to a NCE controller and not looked back. If you can afford it go for a better controller.

[darkscot]

What I suggest is that you SHOULD go for DCC, but not yet. I think the set you mention is expensive and as others have said you could spend your money in better ways.

If it was me, I would get:

Peco N Gauge Starter Track Set
A 2nd hand DC controller off eBay
A nice little brand new pannier tank.
A couple of pre-owned carriages also courtesy of eBay.

That could get you up and running for under £200. Then you build your layout with future upgrading to DCC in mind.